Using open data, students at the University of Maryland in College Park helped map out bus movements to construct a more accurate, user-friendly app. The “mapathon” idea has been employed by large public transit systems to improve user experience and boost ridership. (Laura Bliss / CityLab)Twitter

New data shows that DC's newest buildings attract young, single, new residents with salaries that are high but below the city's average salary. Interestingly, people earning more than $250,000 tend to live in older buildings. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)Twitter

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and a majority of the DC Council publicly oppose Proposition 77, which would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers. Opponents of the proposal argue that it would negatively affect businesses by saddling them with extra costs. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)Twitter

DC realtors are able to raise rents above quoted prices due to a loophole relating to “concessions.” Tenants continue to be surprised with high rent increases due to this loophole, while legislation to fix the issue languishes. (Morgan Baskin / City Paper)Twitter

Recently, Washington Post author David Fontana wrote a much-discussed article decrying the fact that DC has become “cool,” but his beef really seems to be with the city's lack of affordability, access, and representation. (Alex Baca / CityLab)Twitter

History saved in communities across the world are at risk due to climate change. Community libraries, museums, and historical sites could be destroyed by rising seas and more powerful storms in the coming years, erasing valuable history. (Sophie Yeo / CityLab)Twitter

Liam Sullivan is a DC resident with a background in landscape architecture, horticulture and political science. He loves all things plants, urban communities, and anything outdoors. He lives in Dupont Circle.